My Discovery of England

Stephen Leacock steps onto the London stage as a seasoned economist with a mischievous streak, offering a brisk tour of English life by way of witty lecture. He frames his observations as a “balance of trade in impressions,” suggesting that North American visitors import cultural souvenirs while Britain ships back a steady stream of jokes and gentle ribbing. The opening chapters weave together snapshots of bustling London streets, the solemn corridors of Oxford, and the quirks of British politics, all filtered through his keen, lightly satirical eye.

Beyond the cityscape, Leacock playfully measures the differences between English and American humor, ponders whether the British press truly understands its own jokes, and even speculates about the prospect of temperance crossing the Atlantic. His style is conversational and fast‑moving, inviting listeners to laugh while they learn how a professor of political economy can turn everyday observations into a lively, educational romp.